The Graces of Green: SOS Activewear
March 27, 2020
By The Grace & Green Team
It’s not often that leggings and the ocean are associated with one another. Sustainable activewear brand SOS Activewear is on a mission to change this.
The founder, Bronte Simm, launched the brand last year, combining her passion for sustainability and nature with a love for well-crafted and stylish activewear. Using recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles, the sports collection has all the features you would expect, but with a conscious edge. Contrary to the fast fashion houses, its investment in sustainability has meant that SOS is working towards a genuinely green product that is durable and functional.
Reframing consumption to be a conscious decision and enabling consumers to make a choice that benefits themselves and the planet, SOS activewear is leading the way in sustainable technology. We caught up with Bronte in London to find out what it means to be a business that’s fighting to make sustainability stylish.
Tell us about your business and who’s involved
SOS Activewear is a London-based sustainable activewear brand on a mission to save our seas by helping nature fight back from our ever-mounting ocean plastic pollution.
Our products have been designed to provide functionality, comfort, support and style to every workout, no matter what intensity, and created with the planet at the heart of every decision. We are working towards becoming a 100% reliable and sustainable business with no corners cut or little things overlooked. The small things make a big difference and SOS is dedicated to making a positive impact.
SOS was founded by myself and currently I am a one-woman-band learning every trade in order to make it a success alongside my full-time job as a tech saleswoman. I have always had a passion for fitness and our environment, as well as owning a successful business, and the stars aligned when I began working on SOS.
What inspired you to start SOS and how has it evolved since then?
My inspiration came from my continued interest in nature and protecting our environment alongside my passion for health and fitness. Starting a brand that enables people to be more conscious of their activewear investments is really amazing and my goal is to encourage people to step away from fast fashion and invest sustainably.
Since launching last year, we have been amazed by how many women are looking for more ways to be sustainable and environmentally friendly and love how well-received our products have been so far. People are usually very shocked at just how soft and functional fishing nets can be and feedback like this is so encouraging:
“Quite simply, the best and most comfortable leggings I have ever owned.” – Camilla M
How important is the aesthetic of your brand and what does the design say about your company?
When you’re regenerating ocean plastic into sportswear or any clothing, people often don’t realise just how amazing the quality is. Ensuring the brand encompasses everything you would want from an amazing fashion brand, without the negative implications for the environment, has been very important. Our designs very much tell the same story—we have ensured that our sustainable alternative to fast fashion activewear brands does not mean a compromise in quality or style.
Our leggings have every possible feature to provide you with a reliable and comfortable workout, including muscle compression, sweat-wicking technology, bum sculpting, high waist and maximum flexibility. Our Minke Sports Bra, made from the same fabrics, offers similar features along with a very flattering neckline and, most importantly, an adjustable strap to avoid the changing room post-workout workout!
How important is the sourcing of local products and materials to you?
This is very important to me—as SOS is a sustainable brand, it would be very contradictory to source all our products and materials from afar. Think of that carbon footprint!
Where possible, I have sourced materials within the UK and our manufacturing is in London. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint of SOS as a business, but it also helps grow our economy here in the UK and supports other small businesses in the process. This is definitely the more expensive route to take, however very important.
Name two brands or businesses that you admire. What do you love about them?
Lush is a fantastic brand that has driven the way where sustainability is concerned. I love their natural products and their continued innovation to be as ethical and sustainable as possible, removing plastic and unnecessary waste year on year. When large corporations really mean it with their sustainable efforts and messaging and don’t just greenwash their consumers, you know they’re onto a winner.
More recently, I also love CanO Water, an innovative brand changing the way we consume water. They sell water in cans as opposed to plastic bottles, which can be reused and recycled at all plants. I think it’s a great idea to encourage less single-use plastic consumption.
What motivates you to stay positive in light of the social and environmental crisis we are facing?
Saying I am positive and motivated every day would be a lie and I don’t think any entrepreneur or small business owner could make this claim. However, a huge driver and motivator for me is the increasing interest and care we are all having for our environment and nature.
There is increasing concern over the wellbeing of our planet and so much needs to change to enable us to recover from the damage caused, however, so many people now make active decisions every day to reduce their negative impact to our environment and these small changes make such a difference.
At SOS, we do not cut any corners as we truly believe that the small stuff matters and we love that we can provide conscious consumers and people looking to make more sustainable choices with activewear that gives back to our planet.
Do you have any advice for people to help them become more environmentally conscious?
There are so many ways you can become more environmentally conscious. Both big and small changes can really have a positive impact. My top three pieces of advice that will benefit both your body and our environment and are:
- Get a reusable water bottle. Sounds obvious, but you would be so surprised at how often people still buy plastic bottles of water! My advice would be to have a few reusable water bottles both in your bag(s), at work and at home, which will ensure you are never left without proper hydration. If you like sparkling water, you can also invest in a water carbonator—so worth it!
- If you can walk somewhere but you typically jump in the car, then walk! This is not only kinder to our planet, it is also a brilliant way to get some exercise, which can do wondrous things for both your mind and body. Win win win.
- Finally, try and cook more wholesome meals with organic and natural ingredients. This again is so much kinder to your body and health, but also typically means far less plastic packaging will end up in landfill. Prepping lunches again helps reduce your plastic consumption, encourages healthier choices and also lessens the strain on your purse or wallet!
What is your vision for the company over the next few years and how would you like to see it evolve?
My vision for SOS over the next few years is for it to become the go-to sustainable activewear brand for everyone looking to make more ethical and environmentally friendly purchases. We would love for women to rely on us and trust our products worldwide and continue to spread the message about sustainability and eco-friendly brands.
We hope that as we grow, we can bring out new and exciting products, move into menswear alongside womenswear and dedicate more to giving back to the planet than we already do! There is no stopping us, so please spread the word, share the sustainable love and help Save Our Seas.
What is your vision for the company over the next few years and how would you like to see it evolve?
My vision for SOS over the next few years is for it to become the go-to sustainable activewear brand for everyone looking to make more ethical and environmentally friendly purchases. We would love for women to rely on us and trust our products worldwide and continue to spread the message about sustainability and eco-friendly brands.
We hope that as we grow, we can bring out new and exciting products, move into menswear alongside womenswear and dedicate more to giving back to the planet than we already do! There is no stopping us, so please spread the word, share the sustainable love and help Save Our Seas.
